The Trusted Companion

This program works, so far in our experience! Our 3 year old shepherd/pit/lab mix, Jake, had anxiety and aggression- he’d lunge at other dogs while on a walk yet whine on the porch when we’d take our other older dog for a walk. We’d worked with other trainers in the past but the methods did not work for our dogs. Jake had learned to be submissive to our older reactive dog. Now, they play equally - while I’m sure they’ve got their own dog understanding going on, Jake has **not** literally lay down and rolled over for her (as he used to do). He has also been relaxed on walks, followed commands, and has had no reactions when we’ve passed by other dogs. While I’d been skeptical about e-collars in the past, Brant teaches you how to use them correctly. The most important part is the method of play over treats. Jake learned confidence through play and training. Highly recommend The Trusted Companion.

We entrusted our two-and-a-half year old Bernese Mtn. Dog, Asta, to Brant to address what I call socialization issues. We first fostered and then adopted this puppy during the pandemic and were unable to find a puppy class for a dog who had already been returned twice for her overexuberance. We live in the countryside and hike with her a good bit, but just didn’t’ meet many people and even fewer dogs. Asta took to basic obedience training while isolated with us but not when distracted. Asta is a large dog and though she was never aggressive, she would affectionately maul people, not knowing what was good and bad attention- or affection-seeking behavior. Of particular concern, she would become over-excited and issue a sharp-bark at our toddler grandson once he got old enough to run around and get loud. This, and hardly allowing herself to be examined by the vet, prompted us to seek help. We left her for eight weeks of training. We are not the type to get rid of any troubled animal, but we, and she, had to do better because the little people in my family were fearful of her. The long training period gave Asta time to develop stamina with natural canine play and even enjoy behavioral training. We had her home for over a month and Asta performs obedience skills with a calm, purposeful and patient attitude. And, importantly, with a little preparation from us, her newly acquired skills transfer to public places, strangers, and acquaintances, including little people. Asta is a much calmer companion. We continue to play and work with her nearly every day. We skipped four days when our kids, grandkids and their dog came to visit, but as soon as they left, she was excited to get out and play and practice her skills. Again, with some preparation, she respectfully tolerated an active toddler, adult relatives she barely knew and gently curious about a new baby. This was a life-changer for Asta and our family.

Thank you Brant. My little boy, pictured below is a pleasure. He is such a gentleman, and polite. His training has enhanced what I expect from my companion, best friend, my dog. Jax was enrolled in a three week board and train, he has come home an obedient dog but also my little boy that can go places with me, meet friends, and sit quietly when necessary. Jax has learned the things he needs to be my trusted companion and I have learned how to use play and love to enhance his training. Thank you again. Debi